Supporting Local Leaders — and Our Community — During a Time of Change

Dear Friend,

No matter who you supported on Election Day, the results send a clear message: change is coming.

The weeks and months ahead promise to bring significant changes to the lives of many in Fairfield County.

And while it is hard to predict exactly what those changes will look like or how and when they will play out, we are entering a profound period of uncertainty for our region’s nonprofits as they adapt to shifts in federal policies and an evolving political climate that will impact their work and the people they serve.

The leaders of these organizations have been severely tested by the massive disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, stark political divides, and geopolitical turmoil. And now, after leading their organizations through these crises, they are facing unrelenting pressure in the days ahead, including serious fiscal threats from drying up Covid-relief funds and expected cuts in federal expenditure for social services.

As social sector leaders prepare for what’s to come, they will need our community’s support to help them navigate the challenges and seize opportunities — and help define the future of our community.

How can you help through this time of change?

One way is to support the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, which delivers a timely array of programs that help nonprofit leaders navigate their roles and develop skills to grow their organizations and deliver on their missions more effectively.

Over the past three weeks the Community Foundation has been focused on building an agile, responsive and resilient culture to meet the moment; listening to our nonprofit partners to learn how best to support them in changing times; and creating the systems for rapid response and mutual aid. All organizations in our region will need capacity-building to similarly prepare and strategically respond.

Another way to help our community meet the moment is to get engaged with the Equity Lab, which is as a hub for community education and learning, bridging divides across difference, and helping community leaders turn ideas into action. These are the ingredients – knowledge, connectivity, and collective impact – that define a strong, resilient and civically engaged community. And that is the type of community that we need now more than ever.

While this is not quick work, it is foundational work without which social change cannot begin, grow, or be sustained.

Fairfield County’s nonprofits have always stood on the front lines tackling our region’s greatest challenges.

As they continue to do so in the face of immense change, we can provide them both the increased financial resources they will need and build the civic and community infrastructure to make their work easier to pursue and more lasting in effect.

In Community,

Mendi Blue Paca
PRESIDENT & CEO
FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION